Decadant Chocolate Smoothie-Shake

Ok, so I wasn't exactly sure what constitutes a smoothie and what constitutes a shake, so I decided to call it both just to be safe!  Either way, you're not going to care with this luscious, smooth, thick smoothie-shake!  Your kids will think they're getting a treat, and even though you're the one you made it, and you know all of the healthy things that went into it...you'll be fooled into thinking this is a treat too!

In a coffee grinder, grind to a powder:

1/8 c. cacao nibs (this is the most antioxidant-rich form of chocolate you can find, and it's also pack with protein!)  You will have to find this at a health food store, but trust me, you're going to want it for the other recipes that require it!

In a blender combine:

1 can organic coconut milk (the real stuff...not the low fat)
2 bananas
2-3 heaping T. herseys special dark cocoa powder
4 heaping T. raw almond butter (or organic raw peanut butter...just make sure you check for added sugars and hydrogenated oils...these are not "healthy choices" as my 4-yr-old would put it!)
the cacao nib powder

Blend until super smooth and incorporated!  DONE!

If I had to guess, I'd say this makes about 3-4 c. worth of smoothie-shake!

Here are the benefits you're getting from this, just in case you're skeptical:

-antioxidants (cacao nibs)
-medium chain fatty acids (coconut milk)
-protein (cacao nibs, and whichever nut butter you choose)
-potassium (bananas)
-a well known mood enhancer (cocoa powder!!)...although there have been studies put out that classify chocolate as a "mood enhancer"...I'm not speaking from a scientific standpoint...I'm just speaking from personal experience as a woman!!

-Note:  this actually thickens as it sets, so if you wanted to let you kids dip some strawberries or any other fruit in it...they'd PROBABLY be really excited about it!  Or, stick it in the fridge and let them eat it as a "pudding" type snack after they eat a healthy lunch or dinner!  Get creative, and know you're giving them something WAY healthier than a piece of candy or a pudding cup!